Enhanced licenses could help border travelers

Ohioans who travel frequently to Canada might appreciate the convenience of having a driverís license that doubles as a passport card. Even better, border officials can read the card from up to 30 feet away, allowing the holder to cross borders quickly and easily.
The Ohio House transportation committee voted 10-1 last week for legislation that would allow the state to issue the enhanced licenses, which carry radio chips and barcodes proving a personís identity and U.S. citizenship. It would allow residents to cross into Mexico, Canada and Caribbean nations at land and sea ports of entry. A separate passport still would be needed for air travel.
Now the full House must vote.
Other border states ó Michigan, New York, Vermont, Minnesota and Washington ó and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario already issue the enhanced licenses, and theyíve been popular in those places....
Safeguards would be in place to keep the information from being hacked or tracked. No personal identifiable information is stored on the cardís radio chip; itís just a number that accesses information on the secure Department of Homeland Security database. According to Homeland Security, the license also comes with a shielded sleeve to protect it from being read by snoops.
For those who still arenít convinced the cards are secure or who worry about government abuse, they can choose not to get one. Theyíre optional.
ó Columbus Dispatch, via The Associated Press
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